What is the primary mechanism by which ABO antibodies cause hemolysis in transfusion reactions?

A Complement-mediated lysis
B Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
C Phagocytosis by neutrophils
D Activation of coagulation cascade
ABO antibodies are primarily IgM, which can activate the complement system, leading to membrane attack complex formation and subsequent lysis of red blood cells.
Transfusion Medicine textbook
Hematology Hematology: Blood Grouping and Crossmatching Hematology: Blood Grouping and Crossmatching Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high